Simon Cowell admits real reason Amanda Holden has lasted on Britain’s Got Talent
Simon Cowell has revealed the real reason why Amanda Holden continues to be the “queen” of Britain’s Got Talent as the show returns for its 18th series.
Simon Cowell has revealed why Amanda Holden is the “queen” of Britain’s Got Talent (Image: PA)
Simon Cowell has finally revealed why Amanda Holden has remained a staple on Britain’s Got Talent since day one —branding her the “queen” of the ITV show and crediting her genuine love for the acts.
As the beloved talent show returns for its 18th series this weekend, Amanda remains the longest-serving judge on the panel, having been there from the very beginning in 2007. While the judging lineup has seen plenty of changes over the years, Amanda has been the one constant alongside Simon himself.
Speaking to the press about her longevity on the show, Simon revealed that her passion and enthusiasm are what make her irreplaceable.
He told outlets: “Amanda’s been there from the very beginning, what do you think is the secret to her BGT success? Simple, she loves the acts. That’s her. She honestly loves it.
“You know, every time I talk to her it makes me laugh because I say, ‘You are loving this, aren’t you?’ because there are days where I’m knackered and there’s still an hour to go.
“And I’m like, ‘Wow, it’s been a long day.’ And she’s like, ‘Yeah, but it’s brilliant, isn’t it?’ She is our Britain’s Got Talent queen and she deserves that crown.”
But fans may be surprised to know that Amanda’s place on the judging panel almost didn’t happened. Simon admitted she wasn’t the first choice for the role— with the TV gig initially given to Cheryl.
The two have become “great friends” (Image: Getty)
However, the Girls Aloud star dropped out of the show at the last minute, paving the way for Amanda’s now-iconic tenure. Simon recalled to ITV: “She was an interesting booking because we’d offered the role to Cheryl Cole, as she was known in those days.
“A week before filming, she calls me and goes, ‘I just can’t do it’ and wouldn’t give me a reason. I think she was freaked out. We literally had two judges and a week to book someone.
“I just knew it had to be Amanda because I’d met her and I really liked her, she was very funny and I just thought she’d fit the show perfectly. Fast forward 18 years and she’s still a huge success and we have become great friends.”
The chemistry on the judging panel has been key to the show’s success, and Simon insists that their bond goes beyond work. He went on: “Alesha and Bruno are genuinely friends in real life too.
“We do like each other at work but also in our private lives too. There’s this amazing shorthand with us, and I’d say that is definitely the case with me and Ant and Dec too.
The BGT judges posed for the launch of the 18th series of the show (Image: Getty)
